With approximately 4,000 species
of native and naturalized plants, Florida ranks third in the nation in
the number of plants that clothe its landscape. It is no wonder, then,
that the state named for its flowers should include so many examples of
the southern United States woody flora. This book covers more than
550 woody shrubs and vines found in Florida.

This volume  a companion
to The Trees of Florida, also by Gil Nelson  is the first
comprehensive guide to Floridas native and naturalized woody shrubs
and vines. It is organized as an easy-to-use field guide so that even
a beginner can learn to identify plants. The line drawings show a combination
of typical leaves, fruits, and flowers, and while accurate in detail,
capture an overall impression, so helpful when trying to identify a species
in the fiel. The color photos, all taken in Florida, are useful where
color is important in identification.

This book will also prove
useful to landscape architects and weekend gardeners, for in addition
to being a field guide, it also offers important tips about using these
plants in urban and suburban landscapes.

With Over 250 Drawings by
R. Marvin Cook and Nearly 300 Color Photographs by the Author

"Thick enough to be inclusive
but compact enough to carry on a walk in the woods." -- Tallahassee
Democrat

Gil Nelson is a naturalist
and writer who lives and works in Tallahassee, Florida. He currently serves
on the board of directors of the Florida Native Plant Society and as president
of the St. Marks Refuge Association. He often speaks and leads field trips
for such organizations as the Sierra Club, the Florida Native Plant Society
and the Audubon Society. He is the author of The Trees of Florida, Exploring
Wild North Florida, and Exploring Wild Northwest Florida.